Cisco CCNA Exploration: Curriculum Overview

Module 1: Network Fundamentals

This module introduces the architecture, structure, functions, components, and models of the Internet and other computer networks.

Key Topics:

• Living in a Network-Centric World: The impact of networks on daily life and business.
• Communicating over the Network: Role of protocols and the OSI/TCP-IP models.
• Application Layer Functionality: Deep dive into HTTP, DNS, DHCP, FTP, and SMTP protocols.
• OSI Transport Layer: Segmentation, reliability, and flow control (TCP vs. UDP).
• OSI Network Layer: IPv4 addressing, routing concepts, and the role of routers.
• Addressing the Network: Calculating IPv4 subnets and testing connectivity (Ping/Traceroute).
• OSI Data Link Layer: MAC addresses, frame structure, and media access control.
• OSI Physical Layer: Signal transmission via copper, fiber optic, and wireless media.
• Ethernet: Switching logic and the CSMA/CD collision detection mechanism.
• Planning and Cabling Networks: Choosing the right cables (straight-through vs. crossover).
• Configuring and Testing Your Network: Basic Cisco IOS CLI commands and initial device setup.

Module 2: Routing Protocols and Concepts

This module describes the architecture, components, and operation of routers, and explains the principles of routing and routing protocols.

Key Topics:

• Introduction to Routing and Packet Forwarding: Router hardware architecture and the boot process.
• Static Routing: Configuring exit interfaces, next-hop addresses, and default routes.
• Introduction to Dynamic Routing Protocols: Characteristics of Distance Vector vs. Link-State protocols.
• Distance Vector Routing Protocols: Understanding metrics, hop count, and prevention of routing loops.
• RIP version 1: Classful routing operation, message formats, and protocol timers.
• VLSM and CIDR: Variable Length Subnet Masking and route summarization techniques.
• RIP version 2: Classless routing features, authentication, and manual summarization.
• The Routing Table: Interpreting route sources, administrative distance, and best path selection logic.
• EIGRP: Diffusing Update Algorithm (DUAL), composite metrics, and neighbor relationships.
• Link-State Routing Protocols: Dijkstra’s algorithm and Link-State Advertisements (LSA).
• OSPF: Single-area configuration, Router ID, and SPF tree calculation.